If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Yeah, I tossed and turned for a while after I woke up, I tried all sorts of positions because I didn't want to give up so easily and go back into the house.

I do lay on the diagonal with my feet in the foot box. If I was any more of a diagonal, I'd have to stick my head out the zipper. I lay somewhat in a fetal position, more like a long "S". Just to clarify, I lay on my left side, and my legs felt like they were being bent to the right (up the curvature of the hammock). So my left knee hurt more than my right.

I think I just need to adjust the lay of the hammock. My back and torso felt so relaxed, it was just my legs that were getting bent weird. I even tried scooting up the hammock, but of course my torso slid back down to the middle more. I'll try some different suspension angles and try putting the foot end lower and higher compared to the head end and see how that works.

I've taken down and re-setup the hammock every other day this week so I can do it smoothly and efficiently when it comes to campground time. All my friends think I'm nuts for going to a hammock, so I want their first time seeing a real camping hammock setup to be impressive.

Double check the way you are sleeping on the diagonal. I find that there can be a little raised area...which actually supports my legs. Of course, I start on my side and wind up on my back.

As far as the bugs go...I feel for you...see my trail name. I, also, react terribly to insect bites. I've been using Cutters insect repellent with Picaridin. It is a lot less greasy than DEET and doesn't have that awful smell. Try it and see if it helps.

I disagree with that statement, as that photo is pretty much exactly what my Birds look like when they're set. However, it's a really good point for someone trying to find their comfort zone. Sag is personal and structural ridglelines make it generic. Theoretically, this means a constant and consistent hang. In reality, the sag is still a major component of comfort and everyone is different in that regard. Playing with the tension, or lack of, on the ridgeline will have some pretty dramatic effects on the comfort. Tighten it up and see what happens, then loosen it up and see what happens. Odds are you'll find something great in-between the extremes. Once you figure out what your ridgeline should look like to achieve comfort, it gets pretty easy to eye-ball every time after.

Good luck and have no fears. You'll get it and when you do, be sure you have some nap-time reserved.

I disagree with that statement, as that photo is pretty much exactly what my Birds look like when they're set. However, it's a really good point for someone trying to find their comfort zone. Sag is personal and structural ridglelines make it generic. Theoretically, this means a constant and consistent hang. In reality, the sag is still a major component of comfort and everyone is different in that regard. Playing with the tension, or lack of, on the ridgeline will have some pretty dramatic effects on the comfort. Tighten it up and see what happens, then loosen it up and see what happens. Odds are you'll find something great in-between the extremes. Once you figure out what your ridgeline should look like to achieve comfort, it gets pretty easy to eye-ball every time after.

Good luck and have no fears. You'll get it and when you do, be sure you have some nap-time reserved.

I'm looking forward to figuring it out!

I'm a newb, but once in the hammock, the ridgeline is like a razor. So it makes me think something is not quite right. I feel the body of the hammock needs to be a touch looser so I can get that diagonal better, and I'm able to flatten it out more. Whatching Shug's videos, I see that he has things down to a science (adjustable ridgeline with a mark to set his favorite setting - adjust from there). I totally understand all that, I just need to find what works for me.

At least that's my uneducated guess.

As for the photo, as I said, I've setup and taken down that hammock many times now. I can almost do it in the dark...but I still need to figure out what hang is right for me, then memorize the setup for that.

Nawh ... just give up now ... box it up and I'll send you my address ... and geesh I'll step up and give it a home. Least I could do for you as a newbie

Hawkeye.... You are such a kind person....
I agree with the others.....Spend some hours in that puppy and get to know it.. I have been sleepin in my traveler now full time for the last couple weeks or so, and I am still tweeking it.. It's a tough job but someone has to do it..